Dynamo trade down in MLS draft, pick Hofstra midfielder

Updated 5:32 pm, Friday, January 13, 2017

It did not take long for the Dynamo to begin wheeling and dealing on the first day of the MLS SuperDraft.

Houston traded the No. 4 overall pick to the Portland Timbers in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick, $100,000 in General Allocation Money, and a 2017 international roster spot.

The Dynamo selected Hofstra University midfielder Joseph Holland with the No. 10 pick. The 24-year-old is a native of London, England. He had 19 goals and 28 assists in 72 appearances over four seasons at Hofstra.

Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera said Holland is a right-footed player but can play on the left or right side. The team likes Holland's mentality.

"He is very hungry," Cabrera said. "We are very comfortable with him because of the talent he can bring to the field. He is a very smart kid and a humble kid. At the same time he is ready. We believe he is going to be an important addition to the team."

By trading for an extra international spot, the club opens up the possibility of signing Holland and Honduran winger Jose Escalante. The club has said it is in negotiations with Escalante after his loan from Olimpia expired at the end of December.

Houston Dynamo General Manager/Vice President Matt Jordan talks with the media during media day Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (Bob Levey/ For The Houston Chronicle)

Houston Dynamo General Manager/Vice President Matt Jordan talks with the media during media day Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (Bob Levey/ For The Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Bob Levey, For The Chronicle

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Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo with Wilmer Cabrera, center, introduced as the new head coach and Chris Canetti President, hold up a scarf during the press conference at BBVA Compass Friday,Oct. 28, 2016 in Houston. less

Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo with Wilmer Cabrera, center, introduced as the new head coach and Chris Canetti President, hold up a scarf during the press conference at BBVA ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo with Wilmer Cabrera, center, introduced as the new head coach and Chris Canetti President, hold up a jersey during the press conference at BBVA Compass Friday,Oct. 28, 2016 in Houston. less

Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo with Wilmer Cabrera, center, introduced as the new head coach and Chris Canetti President, hold up a jersey during the press conference at BBVA ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo as he introduced Wilmer Cabrera as the new head coach at BBVA Compass Friday,Oct. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Matt Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of the Houston Dynamo as he introduced Wilmer Cabrera as the new head coach at BBVA Compass Friday,Oct. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Dynamo trade down in MLS draft, pick Hofstra midfielder

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The Dynamo also have not given up on acquiring a central attacking midfielder, which almost certainly would require the use of an international roster spot.

In the second round, the Dynamo picked University of Tulsa goalkeeper Jake McGuire and University of Akron defender Danilo Radjen. Both players are most likely earmarked to begin the season with Houston's USL affiliate Rio Grande Valley FC.

With the first overall pick, expansion club Minnesota United FC selected UCLA forward Abu Danladi.

The first two rounds will be completed Friday. The third and fourth rounds are scheduled for Tuesday via conference call.